Lauren James’ ‘magic’ keeps England afloat
Lauren James has proven time and time again that she just different.
There was a time when fans had doubts she would make the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 squad, having been nursing an injury during the end of the domestic season.
She was therefore a welcome surprise when selected by Wiegman, yet still questions remained over what extent she would play a role in England’s title defence.
The answer? A significant one.
Heading into Wednesday’s clash with the Netherlands, the Lionesses knew they needed three points to give themselves the best possible chance of making it out of the group – that’s where James came in.
With a bit of sublime passing in the build-up from Hannah Hampton, the electric forward picked up the ball before firing into the top corner beyond a helpless Daphne van Domselaar.
It was a moment of magic, something that fans have come to expect from the 23-year-old.
“For me, she’s a little magician in midfield,” ex-England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told the BBC in a previous interview.
“Her natural movement, the unpredictability and shooting ability that she has.
“For me, it’s the nonchalance [that stands out].”
It marked her first of two involvements of the night, applying the finishing touch in England’s pursuit of a third.
James is the very definition of cool, calm, and collected – the exact kind of energy Wiegman’s side needed coming into a high-stakes encounter.
If their journey goes beyond the group stages, no doubt the defending champions will be calling on their ‘cheat code’ once more.
She wasn’t the only big-name player to step up, either.
Alessia Russo pulled the strings from the no.9 role, her all-round play proving the catalyst for three of the four goals.
Defensively, the Lionesses were sound. A stark contrast to their opening game defeat to France, which provided a much-needed wake-up call.
It appears this victory has helped remind England of who they are: Champions.